Well first off they were not available as “Factory Installed” on the R/T in 07, but this vehicle has every other option, except the engine heater and smokers group. If they had, I guess they would have been on it.

The reason is that here in the Mid West and most parts of the US the weather makes it hard to keep the sides clean, even if it is dry! I added molded factory Mopar black (part # 82210591AB) running boards this week end. I previous had a white Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited that I had the same issue with and by adding running boards helped correct this consent clean-up.

Have not driven enough to tell you how effective they are keeping mud or melting snow off, but they have to work. Were easy to install, but have no adjustment. My Wife will like and use them but since the Nitro has no grab bar on the pillar post, she does not like that. Out of four SUVs we have had, this is the only one not to have one, and even the new Jeep Liberty does not have it! (one on the dash instead, big joke) Some Ford SUVs even have them on both back doors.

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Rick

Nitro Year: 2007 (July 07 Build Date)
Nitro Model: R/T
Nitro Drivetrain: 4x4
Nitro Color: Stone White
Fully-Equipped w/all factory options

I have the same issue with the lack of the grab bar. My wife could really use this to get into the Nitro. I noticed the Commander has one but the angle of the A pillar is different than the Nitro so I don't know if that would fit. Anyone know if the new Liberty has a grab handle?

She loves the running boards on our SLT and I added the factory mud flaps to keep the sides clean. Now all I need to add is a grab handle!